‘This is finally a sign of common sense,’ said Dutch Fishermen’s Association chairman Johan K. Nooitgedagt, commenting on the revised stance of the Dutch government on North Sea wind energy, with planned output lowered from 50gW to 30gW by 2040.
He commented that a lower than expected demand for green energy, delays in the development of hydrogen as an energy source and unprofitable business scenarios have played a part in this
‘This comes as no surprise, but confirms what we have been advocating for years – that the offshore energy transition is happening too fast, too big, and without regard for the fishing industry.’
The association has for years been warning that offshore space is scarce, while large-scale wind energy plans are pushing out traditional users like the fishing industry, without delivering the promised climate benefits.
‘For years, we’ve been saying it’s insane to fill the North Sea with wind turbines without considering fishermen, nature, and a healthy food supply. The original 50gW plan was a frontal assault on our fishing industry. This adjustment to 30gW is a step in the right direction, but far from enough. Fishermen have been driven en masse from their fishing grounds, and on top of that, environmental compensation is being imposed, which also excludes the fishing industry,’ he said.
‘The sea is not an energy industry park, but a long-standing source of life and work for fishermen.’
He stated that wind energy ambitions outstripped reality, while the fishing industry is coping lasting damage, including loss of fishing grounds, ecological disruption, and uncertainty about the future. The Association’s position is that it’s time for realistic, well-founded choices.
‘This change of course offers an opportunity. Fishing deserves space at sea – not only literally, but also in policy and decision-making. The Fishermen’s Association continues to advocate for a North Sea where food production, nature, and energy can coexist. But that requires honest choices, not a blind race for more turbines,’ he said.
‘We urge all North Sea countries not to follow the Dutch example of megalomaniac wind plans. Apply the handbrake, and conduct a thorough review with the fishing industry at the table. If this and any subsequent government are truly serious, they will stop this hasty wind policy now – and opt for balance, fairness, and common sense.’
